Cleveland Kids Get Free Nature Lessons and Meals in Summer Lunch & Learn Program
CLEVELAND — A beloved summer program is returning to Cleveland, offering children the chance to explore nature while enjoying free meals and books. The Kids Nature Lunch & Learn Series, a collaboration between Cleveland Metroparks and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, kicks off June 3 and runs through August 7, providing weekly outdoor education and nourishment for young learners.
Hands-On Learning Meets Free Meals
Each week, Metroparks naturalists will lead interactive nature programs through NatureTracks, a mobile nature center that brings outdoor education directly to kids. The sessions will take place at three locations:
- Euclid Creek Reservation’s Highland Picnic Area (Wednesdays)
- Bedford Reservation’s Hemlock Creek Picnic Area (Thursdays)
- Lakefront Reservation near Edgewater Beach (Fridays, excluding July 3)
In addition to nature exploration, children will receive free lunches while supplies last, thanks to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank will also distribute free books, encouraging literacy alongside outdoor discovery.
A Vital Summer Resource for Families
Since its inception, the program has served 4,757 free meals, helping bridge the gap for families during summer break when school-provided meals aren’t available.
“Healthy meals are essential to learning,” said Diana Davet, director of programs at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. “This partnership ensures kids stay nourished while engaging with nature, supporting both their mental and physical well-being.”
Mary Rouse, Cleveland Metroparks’ director of outdoor experiences, emphasized the program’s broader impact. “It’s more than just lunch—it’s about sparking curiosity and fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world.”
How to Participate
The Lunch & Learn Series is free and open to all children, with no registration required. Parents are encouraged to arrive early, as meals are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For families looking to combine education, outdoor fun, and a nutritious meal this summer, this program offers a perfect opportunity.
— Reported by Nexio News
